RLPS Promotes Four Employees

We are excited to announce the promotions of Stacy Hollinger, Rich Dropik and Chris Linkey to Partner and Brent Stebbins to Senior Designer. All of these individuals have worked with RLPS for a number of years and are familiar to many of our clients and business associates so we’ve asked each of them a few questions about their career path and personal inspiration.

Stacy Hollinger, IIDA

24 years of Experience / 17 Years at RLPS

What do you like to do in your spare time?

My favorite times these days are watching and cheering for my two kids from the sidelines.  I also am a member of the Building Council at my church.

How did you decide you wanted to be an interior designer at RLPS?

When my mother-in-law was one of the first residents to be moved into “The Heritage” memory care house at Landis Homes, I knew that I wanted to work at RLPS (who had designed the facility).

What was your first part-time job?

I had many jobs.  I was a model, but those jobs were few and far between.  One summer I worked at Y&S Candies on the assembly line.  Both of those jobs made me appreciate the necessary steps it took to get a job done, as well as the opportunity to get a higher education.

Are there any unique client quotes or job experiences you can share?

I recently completed a project where I overheard a resident say that the space and colors made her happy.  It can’t get much better than that.

Do you have a favorite quote or role model?

A favorite quote of mine is “Your smile is your logo, your personality is your business card, how you leave others feeling after having an experience with you becomes your trademark.”  My late husband, who recently won his battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease), will forever be my role model.

Professional Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science in Human Resources, Interior Design / University of Delaware, 1992
• Certification, National Council for Interior Design Qualifications (NCIDQ)
• Member, International Interior Design Association (IIDA)
• IIDA PA/NJ/DE Board Secretary 2002 – 2004
• IIDA PA/NJ/DE Board Treasurer 2004 – 2006
• Served as Adjunct Professor, Pennsylvania College of Art & Design, Lancaster

Rich Dropik, P.E., CSS, CSI, LEED AP

26 Years of Experience / 15 Years at RLPS

What do you like to do in your spare time?

My favorites are golfing, backpacking and fishing.

How did you end up being the lone engineer working at an architectural firm?

I could answer with the typical engineer response that someone has to make sure what the architects draw can be built.  But seriously, I just enjoy having the opportunity to use my technical knowledge and skills on projects.

What was your first part-time job?

McDonalds – the golden arches!

Do you have a favorite quote?

It’s by Thomas Edison, “Our greatest weakness lies in giving up.  The most certain way to succeed is always try just one more time.”

Professional Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science in Structural Design and Construction Engineering Technology / Pennsylvania State University, 1989
• Professional Engineer
• Certified Construction Specifier, CCS, CSI
• Member, Construction Specification Institute
• Member, United States Green Building Council

Chris Linkey, AIA

25 Years of Experience / 18 Years at RLPS

How do you spend your spare time?

I love the outdoors so camping, backpacking and biking.  I ride my bike to the beach (Sea Isle City, New Jersey) once a year for the family vacation.

When did you decide you wanted to be an architect?

I took my first architectural class in 8th grade.  I fell in love with it right away.  I knew I wanted to be architect ever since then.

What was your first part-time job?

I baked cookies for The Great American Chocolate Chip Company at the Park City Mall in Lancaster, PA.

Do you have a favorite quote or is there an architect whose work you admire?

My favorite quote is “be happy, be yourself,” and my favorite architect is Alvar Aalto.  He was a modern architect who also humanized architecture.

Professional Qualifications:

• Masters of Architecture / Savannah College of Art & Design, 1990
• Registered Architect
• Member, American Institute of Architects
• Member, AIA Committee on Architectural Education
• LANCODE Board of Directors

Brent Stebbins, AIA

23 Years of Experience / 16 Years at RLPS

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I have no time – between my job and children. But when I do, I love visiting noteworthy architectural sites and also enjoy hiking/walking (mostly), history, vacations with my family, church and exercise.  (I’ve become boring.)

When did you decide you wanted to be an architect?

It became official in high school drafting class, but my interest in building and creating started much earlier with LEGOS, wooden blocks, Lincoln Logs and Tinker Toys. Growing up (on and off) on a farm also had a very strong influence, leading to my love of nature and outdoor connections.

What was your first part-time job?

I started helping out on a farm at age 5, but my first job on my own was as a bag boy at Acme Markets.

Are there any unique quotes or job experiences you can share?

A loose quote from Architect Peter Bohlin:  “Architecture is much like people’s faces.  It’s the unique differences, the quirks, that make it interesting, maybe even beautiful.”

Do you have a favorite architect or role model?

I have many favorite architects for varied reasons.  A good architect builds on the shoulders of giants.  You study all the greats and then morph them into your thoughts to develop something uniquely your own.  Frank Lloyd Wright for example, was strongly influenced by H.H. Richardson, Louis Sullivan, Japanese Architecture and many others.

Professional Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Architecture with Honors and Bachelor of Environmental Design in Architecture with Honors / North Carolina State University, 1994 and 1995
• Associate Degree in Architectural Technology with Honors / Pennsylvania College of Technology
• NCARB Registered Architect
• Member, American Institute of Architects